Original Norfolk County, Massachusetts History

The county of Norfolk, as first incorporated, included all the original territory of Suffolk,
except for towns of Boston and Chelsa. On May 10, 1643, the Colony of Massachusetts
Bay was divided into four counties; Essex, Middlesex, Suffolk and Norfolk. Thus Norfolk
County originally had the towns of Haverhill, Salisbury, Hampton, Exeter, Dover and
Portsmouth. Salisbury, Hampton, Exeter & Dover were set off to New Hampshire
with state separation in 1680. The remaining towns were set back to Essex county
on 4 Feb 1680 and the Original County of Norfolk ceased to exist.

Norfolk County Re-incorporation, Massachusetts History

An act to re-incorporate Norfolk County was approved by Gov. Hancock on
March 26, 1793. The northeastern end of Norfolk has interchanged several times
with Suffolk , and Middlesex Counties. Dedham is the County Seat. The current towns except as noted are: